The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has selected Edward-Elmhurst Health to participate in a care delivery model that supports and encourages higher quality, more coordinated cancer care.

Elmhurst Memorial Hematology Oncology Associates, on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital, and Edward Hematology Oncology Group, at Edward Hospital in Naperville, are two of nearly 200 physician group practices and 17 health insurance companies taking part in the Oncology Care Model. Nationwide, the program includes more than 3,200 oncologists and will cover approximately 155,000 Medicare beneficiaries.

Cancer is one of the most common and devastating diseases in the United States. More than 1.6 million new cases of cancer will be diagnosed and cancer will kill an estimated 600,000 Americans in 2016.

"The Oncology Care Model encourages greater collaboration, information sharing, and care coordination, so that patients get the care they need, when they need it," says Dr. Alexander Hantel, Medical Director, Oncology Services, Edward-Elmhurst Health. "This is another way Edward and Elmhurst patients can be assured they're getting the very latest in cancer treatment."

The Oncology Care Model encourages practices to improve care and lower costs through episode- and performance-based payments that reward high-quality patient care. Practices participating in the five-year Oncology Care Model will provide treatment following nationally recognized clinical guidelines for beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy, with an emphasis on person-centered care. They will provide enhanced services to beneficiaries who are in the Oncology Care Model to help them receive timely, coordinated treatment.

These services may include:

• Coordinating appointments with providers within and outside the oncology practice to ensure timely delivery of diagnostic and treatment services

• Providing 24/7 access to care when needed

• Arranging for diagnostic scans and follow up with other members of the medical team such as surgeons, radiation oncologists, and other specialists that support the beneficiary through their cancer treatment

• Making sure that data from scans, blood test results, and other tests are received in advance of patient appointments so that patients do not need to schedule additional visits